Whether it comes to ending boredom due to a hectic work schedule or wanting to just enjoy nature’s company, camping is the most sorted outdoor activity. I prefer camping as it’s the cheaper option while travelling. It also gives you perks like waking up with breathtaking scenes of gigantic mountain peaks, pristine beaches, or amazing waterfalls in front of you. So, if you are ready to take on an adventurous camping trip, no other place is better than the campgrounds on Vancouver Island.
I must tell you this- Vancouver Island features some of the best national park campgrounds, private campgrounds, BC parks, and recreation sites. These are vehicle accessible and specifically famous for activities like surfing, kiteboarding, and hiking. You will get to enjoy hiking on one of the most beautiful hiking trails on campgrounds on Vancouver Island. Do you want any extra advice while hiking to these places? I suggest you not to forget to carry hiking boots with you. They help you keep your feet comfortable and protected. Especially if you love to click feet pics while hiking.
Also, while planning a trip it is advisable to avoid the peak season for camping on Campgrounds in Vancouver Island which is considered to be mid-June to early September as fees are highest during peak season, also there will be immense crowds which will only ruin your purpose of the camping trip.
So now that you have seen when to go and the necessary things to carry, let me tell you some of the best campgrounds Vancouver Island has.
1. Cape Scott Provincial Park
Are you in a camping mood while visiting Vancouver Island? I can suggest you the best option there. Visit Cape Scott Provincial Park. Experience the fine-textured, white-sand beaches framed by rocky promontories, salt marshes, and sharp headlands. Is that not enough? Then, you can also go for wild camping, hiking, and animal observation.
The longest and widest of the beaches there, Nels Bight, is one of the park’s most stunning attractions. However, you always need to be prepared for windy and rainy weather. There is no ideal time to visit the park, however, most people like to go in the middle of the summer. You can also opt for overnight camping in the backcountry.
Within the park, there are chances for wild camping, hiking, and animal observation. The length of the trails varies from two to thirty kilometres, and they can be easy strolls or difficult, demanding tests of stamina. The relentless rain makes it tough and muddy to go on some of British Columbia’s most demanding off-road tracks, but the visual and emotional benefits are unmatched, especially on a clear day which makes it a favourite campground among campgrounds on Vancouver Island. You can also opt for overnight camping in the backcountry. Kayaking and canoeing are becoming more and more popular, especially around San Josef Bay.
2. Strathcona Provincial Park
The oldest provincial park in British Columbia is a must-see attraction on campgrounds on Vancouver Island and is situated in the middle of the island on North Vancouver Island.
Strathcona Provincial Park is home to some of the greatest walks and provincial park campgrounds like Buttle Lake Campground and Ralph River Campground on Vancouver Island. You will be surprised to know that there are over 250,000 hectares of rocky mountains, snow-capped peaks, small rivers, dramatic waterfalls, lovely lakes, and an abundance of animals. However, this location in Canada is frequently disregarded because of its great distances and remoteness.
Make a trip to Strathcona Provincial Park a priority by using this blog as inspiration.
Canada Hustle
This park is impacted by the seasons much like every other site on Vancouver Island (and in all of Canada). The winters are quite cold, lengthy, and snowy (at higher elevations), in contrast to the summers’ pleasant warmth but have a brief duration. From November through March, snowfall is frequent on the mountain peaks and the majority of the paths. So, I would suggest you the best time to explore this park is from the start of June until the end of September.
You would love the trails there, and the park offers every sort of trekking you could want. It is a big campground, but it does get full in summer, so book ahead for July, August and holiday weekends.
3. Green Point Campground
Next on my list is the magnificent Green Point Campground. It is located between Long Beach and Combers Beach, in Pacific Rim National Park. I am telling you to visit this one for a reason.
- The campground includes nearly 20 sites for trekking, 94 automobile sites, one group site, and many sites with camping equipment for an additional cost.
- The bulk of the sites are beautifully separated from one another in the lush coastal rainforest to offer appropriate seclusion from neighbours.
- There are a few other lovely campgrounds close to Tofino-Ucluelet, but Green Point is the only one inside Pacific Rim National Park’s Long Beach Unit.
There is nothing to be surprised with Green Point’s popularity. The main reason behind this is its perfect location. A small walk leads north from the campsite to Long Beach, and a longer trail leads south from Combers Beach. At Green Point, everything you could desire is just outside your tent or RV, whether you want to surf, swim, explore, or simply unwind on the beach.
4. Pachena Bay Campground
Pachena Bay Beach is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is close to the neighbourhood of Bamfield. The sandy beach, which is close to the Huu-Ay-Aht First Nations Village, is a well-liked local beach attraction that will add a different dimension to your camping.
There is white sand which can be seen everywhere on Pachena Bay Beach. You will enjoy several outdoor activities, including camping, beachcombing, sightseeing, animal viewing, picnics, and hiking. From Pachena Bay to the start of the West Coast Trail, there is a beautiful boardwalk hiking path with towers that pass through the mesmerizing lush green jungle.
I must say this is one of the most-loved destinations of campers. The campground also offers tenting and RV campsites, some powered and some lakefront, as well as hot showers, restrooms, picnic tables, running water, fire pits, and a picnic shelter. Exquisite wildlife and the sparkling blue ocean may both be seen from Pachena Bay. On certain days, the horizon is filled with cruise ships and big barges. Sometimes yachts and sailboats anchor in a safe bay.
5. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
British Columbia is renowned for the beautiful vistas of its natural beauty, long, meandering beaches, and spectacular hiking routes. Natural parks in the area are some of the most popular in the world, and they provide a wealth of lush woods that are home to a variety of fascinating animals and other creatures.
If you are searching for a gorgeous parkland where you may trek and take in the island’s beaches; I would recommend the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. It is only a 5-minute drive from the sleepy hamlet of Parksville and offers all you need for a camping trip on Vancouver Island.
6. Loveland Bay Provincial Park
On central Vancouver Island, Loveland Bay Provincial Park is close to the Campbell River and provides a peaceful setting for camping, swimming, and fishing. For day trips to the surrounding towns of Campbell River, Gold River, Sayward, Kelsey Bay, Quadra and Cortes Islands, the park makes a suitable base camp.
You can spend the day doing activities like water skiing, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking if you don’t want to leave Loveland Bay’s serene environment. Alternately, unwind and work on your tan between dips in the lake that has been bathed in the sun.
In this tranquil lakeside park, there are two group sites. Ten units or groups can stay at Group Site A, the bigger location to the right of the park entrance. There is immediate lake access here. Six groups or units can stay at Group Site B, which is tucked away in the forest on the campground’s left-hand side. There are picnic tables and a shared fire ring for each group site. So I strongly advise you first to reserve the campsite.
7. Schoen Lake Provincial Park Campground
Next, I would like to introduce you to the Schoen Lake Campground. It will give you the rawest and most natural campsite experience that no other campsite can provide. There are 9 campsites with a natural boat launch near the western end of Schoen Lake. The campgrounds provide easy access to recreational pursuits that lead to a genuine distant wilderness experience.
From May to September, the campgrounds include picnic tables, pit toilets, fire pits, and a camp host. The road leading from Highway 19 to the campsite is unmaintained, narrow, and rugged. Despite the difficulties caused by the gravel road’s poor state, campers, motor homes, RVs, and cars hauling trailers frequently utilize the access route.
8. Juan de Fuca Provincial Park Campground
Last on my list is the provincial park Juan de Fuca on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island. It provides breathtaking hiking trails, incredible animal and marine life sightings, and roaring waves. The park is divided into four primary areas: Botanical Beach, China Beach Day Use Area, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, and China Beach Campground.
It also has four trailheads: Botanical Beach, Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek, and Juan de Fuca East (China Beach). This area also has a multitude of mountain biking trails to discover. I recommend you explore the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. It is one of the park’s most notable features and travels 47 kilometres through wildness along the southern Island’s western shore. You will not find this kind of unique trail anywhere on the campgrounds on Vancouver Island.
Low tide is the greatest time to see wildlife since it allows people to stroll out across the flat sandstone and granite outcroppings to see tidal pools brimming with vibrant marine life.
Essential Things to Carry While Going for Camping
If you are new to camping, you might miss a lot of things which may result in compromising on your camping experience. This can be avoided by making sure your camping checklist is properly thought out. So, I have prepared a list for new campers and for those who always forget important things while going camping.
Checklist for Sheltering and Comfort
- Bag for sleeping
- Pillow
- If tent camping, bring a sleeping mat or camp bed.
- Picnic table and chairs
- Tent pads
- Mallet, extra pegs, and a puller
- Batteries, a portable charger, and cords
- Torch with headlamp
- Paracord, gaffa tape, cable ties, and a sewing kit are all included in the tent repair kit
- If an airbed is required, an air pump is required
- Windbreak
To Keep Yourself Warm and Weatherproof
- Waterproof jackets, pants, and umbrella
- To sleep in, wear clean and dry clothing
- Sunhat, gloves, and a woollen hat
- Appropriate footwear
- Socks and spare underwear
- Materials that are lightweight and quick to dry
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Stove or grill
- Lighters or matches for fuel
- Cooler or refrigerator
- Kettle, pots, and pans
- A cutting board
- Mugs, bowls, and plates
- Utensils for eating and cooking
- Sponge and dishcloths
- Cloth napkins
- Picnic table
- Cleaning agent and bowl
- Garbage bags
- Bottle opener and tin
- Anything you often use for hygiene: Shampoo, conditioner, and soap
- Any typical medications
- Medical kit
- Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer
- Face masks appropriate for public spaces
- Pest deterrent
- Toothpaste and a toothbrush
- Towels
Camping on campgrounds on Vancouver Island can be the remedy for your stressful life as it helps to freshen yourself up and can give you a different perspective of life and the world. But to make the camping experience great for you and the people coming after you leave, it is essential to take care of your camping place and surrounding nature. Avoid anything that will harm Mother Nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you camp anywhere on Vancouver Island?
When on Vancouver Island, you may park practically any place you locate a pullout (that isn’t on private property) and camp for the night!
Can you camp for free on Vancouver Island?
Even though Vancouver Island offers a lot of free camping spaces, it’s not difficult to find spots that are less crowded. Two free camping spots worth visiting are Woss Lake Campground and Upper Campbell Reservoir Campground.
Where can I camp on the beach on Vancouver Island?
One of the most well-liked camping locations on Vancouver Island is Rathtrevor Beach where you can enjoy the stunning, expansive sandy beach.
Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
